I got a YJM signature strat recently. Lovely sustain and great unplugged sound.

One problem: on setting it up I discovered that there is a difference of neck relief at the 8th fret (using capo at 1st fret, holing strings down at top etc), of .3 or .4mm. i.e. the base side is at .1mm and treble at .5mm!!

Does this mean the neck is twisted? I'm coming to the concluesion that maybe the only thing that might help is a fret dress on a plek machine?

Does anyone know if this might help?

This level of twist prevents getting the absolute lowest action the guitar should be capable of. What's worseis that the relief is lowere on the side where the biggest strings vibrate. It would probably be better if it were twisted the other way!

Bummer. Is this a new guitar or one you picked up used?

I bought a YJM new about a month ago and have been very happy with it. I know the action on these models are relatively high which is the way I like it setup.

Good luck with it.

It's new! I'm not sure if it's a big enough problem to take it back or not?

If you can't set it up the way you like it I'd take it back.

Hi Adrian: a twisted neck is unlikely to be accurately diagnosed over the internet. If that guitar is still under warranty then take it back (or to any Authorised Fender Dealer) and get it checked out. If the neck is indeed warped it will be replaced under warranty - cos it'll never be right.

Mind you, though warped necks do happen they are pretty rare. Much more likely the string heights just need addressing. If the nut is cut wrong (again, fairly unlikely) then it will also be done under warranty. A quick reset of the saddles will be done very cheaply.

As discussed elsewhere, if you take it to Charlie Chandler he'll sort it out for you easily. Though check first if he's an Official Dealer: if not you'd have to pay.

Cheers - C

I think the neck's twisted because when I measure the neck relief to check truss rod adjstment, using a cap at 1st fret and measuring relief at 8th fret whilst strings held down to top fret, there is a differnce of more than .4mm between the two E strings (using a feeler gauge).

It's .1 on low E side and .5 on high E side.

That difference is more that the total relief should be for a guitar with a 9.5" radius fretboard!

Whats the condition of the neck with the strings slackened?

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Hi again Adrian: not saying it isn't possible. Just saying this one needs to be dealt with in person by a qualified Fender Approved Dealer, because if it is indeed warped it has to be replaced - and I believe you are within your warranty window of opportunity, right?

Get that guitar to the dealer immediately: that's too expensive a guitar to settle for less than perfection...

Good luck - C

Many thanks for the advice.

Apart from the case, a cable an a couple of other 'bits & pieces'; the guitar came with an 'owner's manual', and a 'Fender owners registration' card, which I still have to complete and send-off. I bought the guitar a couple of weeks back.

Does the latter document count as a warranty card? No other documentation came with the instrument!

Are all music shops that sell Fender 'registered dealers', sounds like an obvious question I know, but they may not be?

You can also register your guitar online

congrats!

I swear I read about another YJM Strat that had a twisted neck, maybe 2 months ago?

Hi Adrian

The date on the till receipt begins your warranty period. No other paperwork required.

And of course your Statutory Consumer Rights also dictate that a product must be fit for purpose. A warped neck, if that is what you have, most certainly isn't. In this case Fender's warranty and consumer law are pulling in the same direction. If faulty your guitar will be repaired or replaced.

Take it back.


No. Some shops sell Fender guitars without being Approved Dealers. Simply give 'em a call and ask 'em whether they can do repairs on a Fender product under warranty.

Good luck - C

Thanks I@ll give it a go!

I just feel like a bit of a fuss-pot when there is nothing supercially wrong with the guitar. The problem is only apparent with feeler gauges etc!

I guess I too 'British', you're quite right 'though; I'm within my rights to get it sorted.

It doesnt sound superficial to me. You paid good money for a good guitar. Why accept something your not happy with? I'd currently be creating merry hell at the shop where i bought it.

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No no and no

When I bought my Strat a few years ago, I got home and tried out the tremolo. I screwed the arm in and gave it a go. After I went to take it out, it was coming out really stiff. When I got it out, the threads on the arm were stripped, as were the treads inside the block due to some loose metal shavings. I went back to the store I bought it from the next day and they gave me a brand new guitar right out of the box. Technically, it's my second Strat. I wonder whatever happened to that one?

Don't worry they'll take care of you.

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-Classic 50's Strat.
-Std. Telecaster.
-Mike Dirnt P-bass.
-Custody of SE Strat.
-Peavey Predator/Dean Evo/Epiphone DR150/Gibson Slide (much older than me).

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